ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING CATHOLIC?
EMILY JAMINET | ADULT FAITH/OCIA DIRECTOR | 614-451-4290 ext. 110 | ejaminet@standrewparish.cc
Becoming Catholic – Order of Christian Initiation, or OCIA (formerly called RCIA) – is a multi-step process the Catholic Church uses to welcome new members and prepare them to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil at St. Andrew Catholic Church.
The steps include:
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Period of Inquiry/ (Evangelization):
In this phase, you are welcome to ask questions, investigate the Church, and talk with the leaders and your sponsor about the process. This is a time to explore if you want to be Catholic. This stage ends at the Rite of Acceptance for the unbaptized and the Rite of Welcoming (for the already baptized).
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The Catechumenate:
The longest part of the process. This is the most comprehensive phase, where you begin to attend weekly Mass and Wednesday night classes with the intention of learning to live out the faith and prepare to be Catholic.
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Purification and Enlightenment:
This is a time of spiritual reflection and prayer that coincides with Lent. The goal of this stage is to prepare your hearts for the Sacraments. This stage includes the Scrutinies on the third, fourth, and fifth weeks of Lent for the Catechumens.
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Sacraments of Initiation:
The unbaptized individuals (Catechumens) receive Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. The already baptized Christians (candidates) will go to confession (before the Easter Vigil) for the first time, make a Profession of Faith, and receive Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.
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Mystagogy (Post-Baptism Catechesis):
Now is the time to live the faith and continue learning! The newly initiated Catholics will begin to get involved in their parish community and continue their formation and prayer life.
If you are ready to learn more about becoming Catholic, use the link below to complete and submit the OCIA interest form.
